Chairman honoured by Icelandic FA

West Ham United Chairman Eggert Magnusson has been honoured by the Football Association of Iceland after stepping down as its President after 17 years in charge this week.

At the 61st annual congress of the KSI (Football Association of Iceland) in Reykjavik on Saturday, Mr Magnusson gave a farewell address to the Association members and handed over to his successor Geir Thorsteinsson, who will become only the 8th president in the 60-year history of the KSI.

Mr Magnusson was then honoured for his service to the Icelandic game since taking over as President back in December 1989, as the congress voted unanimously to name him as an Honorary Life President of the KSI - only the second time in its history that the title has been awarded.

He was also presented with a 'Cross of Honour' medal - the highest award possible in Icelandic football. Under the KSI statute, it is only awarded 'under very special circumstances to a person who has carried out an invaluable amount of good for our sport of football.' Mr Magnusson is only the 12th person in the association's history to be presented with the award.

A new 'Football Star' presentation was also made to Mr Magnusson's wife, Nanna, to recognise her valuable work behind the scenes and support of the KSI during her husband's chairmanship. The award is the first of its kind to be presented to the wife of an Icelandic FA President.

Mr Magnusson said: "It has been a privilege to lead the KSI for the past 17 years and I am very proud of the progress we have made with Icelandic football during that time.

"I felt it was now the right time to step down as I wish to devote all of my time and energy to my role at West Ham United, but I am delighted to have been awarded the title of Honorary Life President and will continue to support the KSI in any way I can."